SPENCER — Despite overcast skies and threat of rain, huge numbers of people from young to old have been gathering at this weekend's 125th Spencer Fair for a taste of good food, eclectic entertainment, carnival rides and all things agricultural.

Mary Jane Shepard, 9, of Worcester, said the most interesting carnival ride is the mechanical bull.

While munching on a caramel-covered candy apple, Mary Jane said the bull ride was "the dream of my life ever since I heard of it."

Her parents, Julie, 38, and Greg, 42, said they prefer going to Spencer's fair because of the free parking, close proximity and large variety of sights, sounds and edibles.

"Here, it's close to home and a lot of fun," Mr. Shepard said. "It's local fun and cheaper than" larger venues, his wife added. They began trekking to the Spencer Fair before their child could walk, taking her in a stroller.

This year's fair president, Dale Davies, who grew up on a dairy farm along Paxton Road, said attendance has been fantastic.

State agricultural resources Commissioner Gregory C. Watson was in attendance on Saturday to present her with a "Faces of Agriculture'' award to honor her long-serving commitment to the community.

Born in Hampden, where she grew up on the Breezy Stock Farm that milked a herd of Guernseys, Mrs. Andrews met her husband, Sonny Andrews, while showing at a Spencer Fair in the 1950s. Until 1986 they operated their 500-acre farm on Paxton Road. Mr. Andrews passed away in 2006.

The state award also recognized Mrs. Andrews as a 4-H leader — which she has been doing the past 65 years.

She first showed a calf in 1943 at the Hampden town fair. Mrs. Andrews has six daughters, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

"I think my mother's an amazing woman," Mrs. Davies said. "Her dedication to the animals, the 4-H, the Spencer Fair has made me into who I am."

The fair president took a moment to tout what she says should be a great musical act that occurs on the last day of this year's fair on Monday afternoon. Little Texas Band performs at 3 p.m. Sept. 2.

Alden Brodermerkle, 57, grew up on Prospect Farm in Barre and says he lost track of the number of cattle he has shown at Spencer Fair.

He said the 24-7 life of dairy farming that requires twice-per-day milking of cows is not for everyone, and that to do it, it has to be in one's blood.

"It is like a birth defect: You are born with it," Mr. Brodermerkle said. "Once you're in it, you don't have time to think how" hard it is.

Poppie's Concessions owners Joseph "Gino" Orlandi, 78, and his wife, Theresa, 72, have been in the food business 48 years, have been married 51, and have set up shop at the Spencer Fair for more than 30 years.

They serve a lot of fried dough, onion rings and french fries. They live in Plainfield.

Alex Adkins, 7, with his father, Joe, of Paxton was about to dig into a plate of chicken tenders with barbecue sauce.

"I came here when I was a kid and now I bring my kids here," Mr. Adkins said. "I drive 10 minutes from my house and we are here."

Alex said, "There's nothing really I don't like about the Spencer Fair — I like a bunch of the foods, rides, those tents that sell the different stuff."

The youngster had one complaint. Because Saturday was fair day for the family, "my dad didn't let me play video games this morning."

Also this weekend in nearby Connecticut is the Woodstock Fair.

The Woodstock Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, and until 8 p.m. Monday. Parking is $5. General admission is $8. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Those 65 and older pay $8.